NFL Indianapolis Colts

5 Changes the Indianapolis Colts Need To Make For the 2015 Season

5 Changes the Indianapolis Colts Need to Make for the 2015 Season

Andrew Luck Indianapolis Colts
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts were taking big steps forward in the 2015 playoffs until the New England Patriots reigned them in and reminded them of their 2014 flaws. Here are five changes the Colts need to make if they are to rebound and take the next big leap next year.

5. Acquire An Every Down Back

Dan Herron Indianapolis Colts Running Back
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

5. Acquire An Every Down Back

Dan Herron Indianapolis Colts Running Back
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

It’s now beyond obvious that the Trent Richardson trade flopped, but the one positive is that it shows that the Colts are actively pursuing a steady running back. Although Dan Herron showed some promise and Ahmad Bradshaw will be back next year, the Colts need to continue their diligence in addressing this issue. Otherwise they’ll have to wait for Tom Brady to retire.

4. Fortify the Offensive Line

Andrew Luck Indianapolis Colts Offensive Line AFC Championship
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

4. Fortify the Offensive Line

Andrew Luck Indianapolis Colts Offensive Line AFC Championship
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Andrew Luck was sacked 32 times in 2013. The Colts improved upon this mark in 2014, only allowing Luck to be buried 27 times. As it was with Peyton Manning, Luck is the key to the Colts franchise, and for the Colts to continue to improve, they need to continue improving their pass protection. When the Colts won it all in 2007, Manning was sacked just 14 times in the regular season.

3. Fortify the Front Seven

Indianapolis Colts Defensive Line against Denver Broncos
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

3. Fortify the Front Seven

Indianapolis Colts Defensive Line against Denver Broncos
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

When a team allows the opponent to run the ball well, they allow them to dictate the game. The Colts finished 18th in the NFL against the run, and that’s an okay goal if you want to be lost in the mix. But I have a feeling Jim Irsay and Co. are going for a little more than that and would like to win a Super Bowl as soon as 2016. This can certainly happen, but only if they solidify the front seven.

2. Andrew Luck Needs To Be More Patient

Andrew Luck Indianapolis Colts Quarterback vs Denver Broncos AFC Playoffs
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

2. Andrew Luck Needs To Be More Patient

Andrew Luck Indianapolis Colts Quarterback vs Denver Broncos AFC Playoffs
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Andrew Luck is so talented that it appears to make him anxious. When you watch Luck it looks like he is dying to become the NFL’s lone elite. He’ll get there, but the road is gonna be bumpy first. Until then he needs to offset aggression with a few more check downs, try not to Brett Favre certain throws into closed windows and stay within himself as a gifted quarterback.

1. Win The Turnover Battle

T.Y. Hilton Indianapolis Colts Wide Receiver Fumble
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

1. Win The Turnover Battle

T.Y. Hilton Indianapolis Colts Wide Receiver Fumble
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

It’s amazing the Colts made it to the AFC championship despite having the NFL’s 10th-worst turnover differential at minus-5. The three remaining teams from this round ranked first, second and fourth in this category. Imagine if Indianapolis took better care of the ball and didn’t finish tied for 22nd? I think the improvement would be alarming.

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